PRE PURCHASE SURVEY
A damp survey from London Damp Surveys can provide you with a comprehensive report on the condition of your property. This report will help you immensely during purchase negotiations, as it specifically details any issues with dampness or timber in the property. Hiring a professional to conduct this type of survey is an investment that will quickly pay for itself and has the potential to save you £1000’s down the line.
Unknowing home buyers purchase many cheaply repaired homes that have been painted to sell–only to find damp and condensation issues, mould, and severe dampness spreading throughout different areas of the property a few months post-sale. In some cases, the damage is so significant that occupants must move out of the property while the repairs are being made.
At London Damp Surveys, we utilise leading technology to detect underlying issues that are hidden and may be invisible to you.
Old properties tend to all have some sort of damp – if it does, we are sure to find it. We offer a full damp inspection along with a detailed homebuyers report for only £200+VAT, and our reports are generally ready within as little as 24 hours.
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
To get help, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997.
Or, feel free to send an enquiry or book a survey online.
If you submit an enquiry form, one of our damp surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems. We aim to contact you within 24 hours.
- }Damp can cause structural problems such as rot and corrosion that could ultimately cost you money in the long run if not treated properly.
Tools We Use
Our surveyors use state of the art equipment to detect moisture in a property:
Damp meter
This device has multi-purpose use; it can identify problem areas, pinpoint sources of damp and monitor if areas are drying out over time. The meter can be calibrated for timber or plaster and there are two main types, namely pinned and pinless damp meters. The pins can be inserted into timber or mortar to accurately measure the moisture content within the material, while the pinless variety measures surface moisture.
Thermal imager (Infrared camera)
This is a device that locates potential areas of damp on walls, ceilings and floors, visualising temperature differences on the surface of materials. Damp areas are typically cooler than dry areas and this shows on the screen; Thermal imagery is primarily used for masonry diagnosis and is an indispensable piece of equipment for a damp surveyor.
Humidity tester
A device to measure the level of humidity in the air; the handheld device is very accurate and helps the surveyor to get an overall assessment of the moisture content in the air. If the surveyor is looking for mould, measuring humidity will show if mould could grow in that area. An integral device and one of the first tests to be carried out.
Borescope camera
This type of camera is very useful for looking at hard-to-reach places, such as wall cavities, under floors and to determine the wall structure in some building types. Also known as a pin hole camera, this device can detect leaks and is used on every survey to get a close-up of targeted areas and the surveyor can investigate an area with hi-res imagery.
Drone imagery
Used to inspect the exterior of a building, state-of-the-art drones bring hi-res close ups of the roof, guttering and upper walls, while it enables the surveyor to check for missing roof shingles. This saves time, which is a win-win for everyone and any issues can be investigated further. Every damp survey would include scanning the exterior with a drone, looking for defects and signs of damp, zooming in when necessary.
Ventilation airflow test
Ventilation is essential to reduce the moisture in the air and to determine the degree of airflow, the surveyor has a range of devices in their arsenal. Mould and mildew thrive in still, humid conditions and by generating an airflow, you can dry out the air, which helps to prevent dangerous fungi forming.
Lab analysis of plaster
An additional service of plaster lab analysis is available, with up to 10 plaster samples tested to prove moisture source. This is an accurate way to assess moisture in walls, with lab analysis of the samples.
Damp Survey Costs
We have three levels of Damp Survey as well as an extra lab analysis of affected plaster. You can choose from:
Level 1 Survey: £199 + VAT
This survey includes an inspection of all interior and exterior walls and floors for signs of dampness and leaks.
Level 2 Survey: £299 + VAT
This includes everything from Level 1, plus an examination of all wood structures and loft timbers for wood rot and woodworm.
Level 3 Survey: £399 + VAT
This survey includes the same checks as Level 2, with the addition of thermal imaging, air humidity testing, borescope camera, drone imagery and ventilation flow test.
